The Apparition c. 1876

"The Apparition" (c. 1876) by Gustave Moreau is a Symbolist painting depicting a veiled woman reaching out towards a ghostly figure. The figure, surrounded by a luminous halo, appears to be a severed head, its eyes closed and a stream of blood flowing from the neck. The painting's ambiguous imagery, rich colors, and evocative atmosphere are characteristic of Moreau's style. Moreau, a French artist known for his imaginative and dreamlike paintings, explored themes of mythology, religion, and the power of the subconscious. "The Apparition" exemplifies Moreau's fascination with the mystical and the supernatural, captivating viewers with its enigmatic and alluring presence.